WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — With a blend of returning experience and promising new talent, the West Liberty University women's golf team is set to tee off the 2026 fall season with plenty of optimism.

Head coach Freddie Fitzsimmons enters his second season at the helm with a six-player roster featuring three returning players and three freshmen. Juniors Hannah Shepherd and Delaney Homer, along with graduate student Brooke Perri, provide the Hilltoppers with a veteran core, while freshmen Samantha Spearman, Jessi Mix and Morgan Messner give the program a talented group of newcomers.

"I'm really excited about this team heading into the 2026 fall season," Fitzsimmons said. "We have a great 50/50 mix of returning experience with Hannah Shepherd, Brooke Perri and Delaney Homer, along with three talented freshmen in Samantha Spearman, Jessi Mix and Morgan Messner."

The Hilltoppers will look to build on the foundation established during Fitzsimmons' first season. With a year of experience in the program, the second-year head coach believes West Liberty is better positioned to compete and continue moving forward.

"Going into second year as head coach, I expect us to be a better and more competitive team," Fitzsimmons said. "We have a better understanding of what we want to accomplish as a program, and I think that familiarity, combined with the new talent we've brought in, gives us a great opportunity to continue moving the program forward. I'm excited to see how this group develops and competes throughout the season."

The Hilltoppers' three freshmen will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact. Spearman, Mix and Messner will enter the fall competing for spots in the lineup while adding depth and competition to the roster.

"All three of our freshmen — Samantha Spearman, Jessi Mix and Morgan Messner — will have an immediate opportunity to contribute this fall," Fitzsimmons said. "Having three new players competing right away adds depth and competition within the team, while also bringing new energy and perspective to the program. I'm excited to see them grow throughout the season and believe their development will be a big part of our success this year."

West Liberty opens the fall campaign Thursday and Friday at the California (Pa.) Vulcan Invitational at Cedarbrook Golf Course in California, Pa. The two-day tournament gets underway Thursday at 8:15 a.m.

The Hilltoppers will remain on the road for the UC Invitational, Sept. 9-10, at Edgewood Country Club in Charleston, W.Va., before competing in the WCU Battlefield Classic Sept. 21-22 at The Links at Gettysburg in Gettysburg, Pa.

West Liberty closes September at the Golden Eagle Autumn Invitational, Sept. 26-27, at Clarion Oaks Golf Course in Clarion, Pa.

The fall season concludes with the Mountain East Conference Championship, Oct. 11-13.




West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.